ROMEO AND JULIET: ACT IV READING GUIDE
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Directions: Answer the questions after listening to Act IV.
Character- Page 1018
1. What is the friar’s real motive for wanting to slow down the wedding preparations?
Lines 13-14: Page 1018
2. According to Paris, why does Capulet want Juliet to marry so quickly?
Line 25: Page 1020
3. Whom does “him” refer to in this line?
Line 77-88: Page 1021
4. Analyze: How would the actions in Juliet’s list get her out of the marriage with Paris?
Scene 2: Comic Relief- Page 1023
5. Think about the purpose that comic relief serves. Why might Shakespeare have chosen to begin
this scene with a light, humorous conversation?
Scene 2: Dramatic Irony- Page 1023
6. What is ironic about Capulet’s praise of Friar Laurence?
Scene 2: Tragedy- Page 1024
7. Think about how the plot of this tragedy is unfolding. What does moving the wedding up by one
day do to Friar Laurence’s plan?
Scene 3: Character- Page 1026
8. In her anxious state, what does Juliet suspect about Friar Laurence’s motives for giving her the
potion? Do you think she really believes this to be true? Explain.
Scene 4: Line 12-20
9. Once they realize that Juliet is dead (or so they think), how do the nurse and Lady Capulet
express their love for Juliet?
Scene 5: Lines 28-29
10. What simile does Capulet use to describe what has happened to Juliet?
Scene 5: Pun- Page 1031
11. Reread lines 96-99. The musician is talking about the case for his instrument. What “case” is the
nurse referring to?
Scene 5: Summarize- Page 1032
12. Consider the Capulet’s horrifying discovery. How is Friar Laurence’s plan going as anticipated?
How is his plan not going as anticipated?
Scene 5: Critique- Page 1032
13. Do you think the risks that Juliet has taken are justified in her desperate attempt to avoid
marriage with Paris? Could Juliet have gotten out of the situation any other way? Cite details from
Act Three and Act Four to support your opinion.
***ON A NEW SHEET OF PAPER, CREATE AN ACT IV 1-PAGER***
1. Select TWO QUOTES from the text that capture the essence of this selection. Cite pages.
2. Choose what you believe is the most important part of this selection and ILLUSTRATE your
interpretation (literally draw this out!) – the illustration MUST HAVE COLOR.
3. Write at least FOUR SINGLE WORDS or thoughts that express feelings or emotions about the text.
4. Write a one to two sentence SUMMARY of the selection.
5. Write TWO QUESTIONS you have after reading the selection.